Proper gun maintenance important after season ends

March 07, 2008|From staff and GFP reports

With most of South Dakota's hunting seasons closed, hunters should be taking precautions to make sure that their firearms are stored safely during the offseason. If you put firearms away properly, you shouldn't have to worry about them until next season, said Steve Gisi, sporting goods manager at Ken's SuperFair Foods in Aberdeen. “Moisture is the No. 1 enemy of firearms and ammunition,” Gisi said. “The absolute, No. 1 worst thing you can ever do is put (your gun) back in a gun case.” That's because, whether oiled or not, guns are prone to rust inside cases, where moisture has no way to escape. Instead, guns should be stored in a gun cabinet, on a rack or - if money permits - the best place of all: a gun safe, many of which are humidity controlled. Cleaning: But before guns can be stored, they need to be cleaned. With cleaning and maintaining, a lot comes down to preference and price, Gisi said. However, a universal cleaning kit can be purchased that can be used for almost everything, from a .22 to a 12-gauge, Gisi said. The first step is take your gun apart. If you don't know how, your owner's manual can explain, Gisi said. Using a brush, swab and a good, high-quality cleaning solvent, clean inside the barrel and main action. A toothbrush can also be used in place of the brush, Gisi said. The solvent loosens up powder, copper and other foulings, he said. One dip into the solvent bottle with the excess shaken off is about all the solvent you need, Gisi said. Another option for cleaning the barrel is a foaming bore cleaner that comes in an aerosol can. Tilt the gun at the ground and squirt the foam into the chamber until bubbly foam comes out the end of the barrel. The foam is not recommended for actions, Gisi said. Once the gun is reassembled, take gun oil and apply to the moving pieces of the action, sliding the action back and forth a few times. It doesn't take much oil to get the job done, Gisi said - only a couple of drops. Then lightly coat all exterior metal parts with gun oil on a rag. That keeps water from getting to the metal and rust from forming. It also removes fingerprints, which can also cause rust over time. “Lots of people end up taking their guns to a gunsmith, when in fact, you just have to maintain it,” Gisi said. “The gunsmith is gonna cost you $100 or more, and all he's gonna do is clean it. So regular cleaning will save you in the long run.” Ammo: Ammunition should also be kept inside in a dry, cool place, Gisi said - not your barn, garage or basement. Below 40 percent humidity is best for powder, Gisi said. Snow goose hunters: Snow goose hunters should keep in mind that coming into a warm house from the cooler outdoors will cause condensation to form on their guns, Gisi said. As the gun warms up, hunters should take a clean cloth and wipe off the condensation, and then take another cloth and wipe down the metal parts with gun oil. Safety: Owners also need to make sure their firearms are stored safely and are not casually accessible to anyone - especially curious young people. “The owners of firearms are responsible for safely securing firearms in their homes,” said Curt Robertson, HuntSAFE coordinator for the state Game, Fish and Parks Department. “While accidents have decreased in the last 20 years, a consistent review of safety procedures involving guns and ammunition is always a good idea whether you're a longtime or a first-time firearms owner.” Robertson notes a few firearms safety rules including:

Always unload firearms carefully and completely before taking them into the home.

Always make absolutely sure that firearms in the home are securely stored in a location inaccessible to children. Ammunition should be stored in a separate location, locked and also inaccessible to children.

Always re-check firearms carefully and completely to confirm that they are “still” unloaded when they are removed from storage. Accidents have occurred when a family member has borrowed or loaned a firearm and returned it to storage while it was still loaded. Children: Open communications about firearms safety is crucial if there are children in the home. Most fatal accidents in the home involving firearms occur when youngsters - often children who do not live in the home - discover firearms that adults thought were inaccessible. “If a child approaches a firearm without safety knowledge in advance, it is an invitation to tragedy,” Robertson said. Parents and guardians must explain firearms safety procedures to their children. Those include:

Never handle firearms without permission.

Never play with firearms.

Never touch a found firearm; immediately tell an adult.

Obey all safe handling rules. “The rights of firearm ownership also come with important responsibilities,” Robertson said. “Communication about firearms safety will ensure that tragedies can be avoided.”